OCTOBER 2014

[Shadow427 272]

Amylyns - you don't have to drop your drawers to have a great story! I love it! There is nothing better than knowing you look good when the person who gives you angst doesn't!

It is funny that our minds still think like the BIG person we used to be. I finally decided to go buy new bras... After all, they still need support!!! I was flabbergasted when I asked the sales person for a certain size and she said, "Honey, you are MUCH smaller than that!" She was right - 3 band sizes down.

Last doctor visit I was down by the lack of movement on the scale. But, this weekend was my monthly measurements. Holy smokes there is a lot less of me!

But, we all must be careful. It would be easy to be complacent now... Stay the course!

[Shadow427 272]

Okay, I am trying to attach pictures, but I am not sure it is working. But, I finally have a Before and After Photo. The first one is from August 2014... The second one is from February 2015. What a difference six months makes!

Hopefully you can see the photos!

 

[PinkPolkadot619 337]

@@Shadow427 wow you look amazing!! congratulations!!

[amylynns 802]

@Shadow427--Thanks!!! It sure did feel good!

and yes, I agree. My mind for sure still thinks I'm bigger than I am.

Good for you on the bras and measurements!! I was a 40 band size. About a month ago, I bought some 36's, and was using the first set of hooks. So I figured I'd be able to use them for a long time, with 3 more sets of tighter hooks. I'm on the 4th set of hooks already!? What?! Guess I'll have to bra shop sooner than I though. Too bad my cup size won't go down though. A lot of "deflated" tissue there!

I can see your pics! You look great!!!! I need to take some updated ones one of these days too.

[Beni 1,484]

Holly smokes @@Shadow427 you look like a new woman.

Who is that other person in August 2014, your mother? I kid you not, you look 20 years younger. Unbelievable!

[Beni 1,484]

@@smiley922 wonderful achievement, below 25 BMI is a dream. Well done!

[Beni 1,484]

@@amylynns

Loved your story about the shower and your shopping experiences. That's fantastic. I could really relate. Shopping and looking great is such a new thing for us. You are now at a point were weight has become a non-issue. Before our surgeries we were defined by ourselves and others because of our weight. Now we can be defined by who we are. You are hot when you feel it and wear it. In other words, we are taking the power back into our lives. Nothing feels as powerful as that.

Everyone of us can be who we are without a black cloud over out heads.

[amylynns 802]

@Beni--Love that: "we are taking the power back into our lives. Nothing feels as powerful as that. " It's so true, feels so amazing!

I'm definitely seeing a pattern with my loss. Pretty much hold steady for 2 weeks....then drop 2-3 pounds. Not complaining, but it would be nice to see it move weekly.

My cupboards/fridge are empty! I need to re-stock so I feel more prepared! I grabbed the last 2 string cheese stix this morning. The grocery store and I have a date tonight! Right after my pedicure.

[Shadow427 272]

@@Beni - I actually feel 20 years younger! ! Thanks!

@@amylynns - I find that I actually have more dates with the grocery store now then before. Three reasons for that: 1. I don't eat out as much or eat as much fast food. 2. If I do a "full-grocery shopping" I tend to have to throw food out. I live alone, so, things tend to go bad. 3. I enjoy cooking. But, when I spend the time making something healthy, it usually lasts a few days to finish it. It is a pain because I get bored. But, it certainly has reduced how much I spend on food and has forced me to really plan my grocery trips. (Spaghetti Squash is a life saver because I can make it several different ways!)

I do make sure I always have yogurt, Almond Milk, string cheese or other cheese, Jiff-to-Go Reduced Calorie packs (a godsend - and they are the perfect amount to have when I need to eat a meal AND they are portion controlled!!!)

[Shadow427 272]

 

Okay, two more before and after photos...

We spend so much time looking up the mountain saying "I still have so much further to go". Every now and then we have to look back and say, "Geez! I've come a long way, baby!"

[amylynns 802]

@Shadow427--We have 5 kids still at home, so we tend to stock up pretty well each weekend! But this last weekend we just didn't get it done. Saturday was full of activities and honestly, Sunday I didn't even get dressed! It was SO nice!! But of course, that's catching up with me now!

I tend to frequent a local deli for lunch that has a lot of homemade items. I'm sure I'm spending more than necessary, but it is convenient for me to just have them make my salad for me and I don't have to worry about lettuce spoiling at home, LOL. That's what I got today. Spinach and romaine, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and 2oz of grilled chicken. (real chicken, not "pressed" chicken, LOL)

I've had a spaghetti squash sitting at home for well over a week. I should probably do something with it!!

[joankrie 126]

What a victory!

You go girl!

[joankrie 126]

What a great story! Those are some of the victories we need to experience in order to continue on our journey. Im so proud of you.. and keep doing you!

[Beni 1,484]

After dinner last night I was the sickest I have ever been since surgery. Violent nausea and throw up for over an hour. I even had to keep drinking because I had to fill my stomach with something. The pain was significant. After battling for what felt like an eternity, one hour is a long time, I finally fell into bed. I curled into a ball and didn't dare not move. After about 15 minutes the nausea passed. Has anyone had any terrible episodes like that?

I am wondering if it was the corn I ate. I chewed really well but fresh (frozen in this case) corn does have a skin. They seemed like they would be small enough to go through. Also, I did have one small piece of chicken skin. It was homemade baked chicken and really crispy. I wonder if I didn't manage to chew it well enough. In any case, today I feel horrible and my entire tummy feels like it's on fire. Ouch!

[ShonIsLove 64]

Sorry you're feeling so awful Beni. I hope you feel better soon and that your pouch calms down. I haven't had what you have described but I am so nauseated right now. I went to the gym this morning and I felt great. I came home and took my multi Vitamin and within ten minutes I was vomiting and I'm feeling horrible. I'm wondering if it was because I didn't eat before taking my Vitamins. This hasn't been an issue in the past, but I want to find out the cause and never do whatever made me feel so awful again!!!!